Final answer:
Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that can restore gut balance and improve the immune system, while prebiotics are fibers that serve as food for these bacteria, promoting their growth and activity in the gut.
Step-by-step explanation:
A probiotic and a prebiotic are primarily distinguished by their functions inside the gut flora. Live bacteria and yeasts, or probiotics, are good for your health in general and your digestive system in particular. Because they contribute to gut health, these bacteria are frequently referred to as "good" or "helpful" bacteria. Type-2 diabetes, asthma, cancer, and obesity are among the disorders that can result from an imbalance in the microbiome. Probiotics are over-the-counter supplements that contain live beneficial bacteria that enter the gastrointestinal tract, resist stomach acid, stick to the intestinal lining, and grow to help restore the balance.
In contrast, prebiotics are substances that come from types of carbs (mostly fiber) that humans can't digest. The beneficial bacteria in your gut eat this fiber. Prebiotics act as food for probiotics and are important in maintaining the gut flora balance. These dietary fibers are fermented by gut bacteria and contribute to the production of short-chain fatty acids, which have numerous health benefits, including an extended feeling of fullness.
Both probiotics and prebiotics are essential for a healthy digestive system, but they serve different functions. Taking a probiotic supplement or consuming probiotic-rich foods such as homemade yogurt can strengthen your immune system and aid in fighting off infections. On the other hand, including prebiotic foods in your diet can support the growth and maintenance of the beneficial bacterial population in your gut.